We want to improve your understanding of the ways in which money and politics interact by sharing knowledge, experiences and good practice from around the world.

We focus on creating a fair and level playing field for political competition; increased financial accountability of political actors to citizens; the protection of democratic politics from money-based influence and effective enforcement of political finance regulations.

Our activities in this area include stimulating national debates on legal reforms, building institutional capacity and producing global comparative knowledge.

Legislative advice

We offer advice, upon request, to countries undergoing legal reforms, for example by assisting with the drafting and review of legislation. In recent years we have provided advice to political parties, oversight agencies and governments in Chile, Kenya, Mongolia, Myanmar and Peru.

We also provide assistance to political parties and oversight agencies implementing existing regulations, for example through improving reporting and disclosure procedures.

Research and analysis

We conduct research and compiles global data on political finance regulations in order to better understand the state of money in politics, as well as its challenges and possible solutions. As part of our research, we produce a range of publications, databases and tools, and carry out advocacy work.

Peer-to-peer exchange

International IDEA has initiated and established a money in politics community of practice to create a global push for more transparency and accountability related to money in politics. This community shares information and coordinates its efforts to better understand money in politics.

Training

Drawing on our experience and accumulated knowledge, we offer training to national and international actors on issues related to the regulation of political finance. For example, our in-country training for political parties and oversight agencies forms a large part of our work on reporting and disclosure.

Our comparative advantage

Our work on money in politics stands out in two respects. First, we have established a solid reputation for our global and comparative research. Second, we have a long track record of providing support to political and electoral actors on the ground. International IDEA is therefore unique in that we are able to combine a body of research with a large number of in-country support projects.

We work directly with primary stakeholders such as political parties and oversight and enforcement agencies, providing advice and technical assistance. We also cooperate, on a case-by-case basis, with other international actors, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and others.

What's Going On

Sep 222017

Dr Daniel Zovatto, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean for International IDEA during his remarks at the seminar "The challenge of political financing in Argentina and in Córdoba".

Panel discussion on "Money and politics" during the Conference on Electoral Integrity in Latin America held on August 14 and 15, 2017 in Mexico City. From left to right: Michael Svetlik, Vice President of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES); Juan Pablo Pozo, President of the National Electoral Council of Ecuador; María Marván, President of Transparencia Mexico and Dr Daniel Zovatto, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of International IDEA. Photo Credit: International IDEA.

Multi-part working group in charge of elaborating an electoral reform proposal. From left to right: Gilber Violeta (Peruanos Por el Kambio); Jorge del Castillo (Partido Aprista Peruano); Patricia Donayre (delegate of Fuerza Popular and President of the working group); Mario Canzio (Frente Amplio); and Percy Medina, Head of Mission, International IDEA Peru. Photo credit: International IDEA

Contact Us

Jorge Valladares

Senior Programme Manager

Jorge Valladares’s focus is on the generation of comparative knowledge, policy analysis and practical tools on issues of democratic representation and participation, particularly political parties. His work aims to support party members, parliamentarians and public officials fulfill their...